O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Gotha LD 6a The LD 6a appeared in March 1915 and was designed (by Rosner) for long-distance reconnaissance and to carry a small bomb load. Of conventional wood and fabric construction, the LD 6a featured balanced tail in faces but plain ailerons. Engine was the 150 h.p. Benz Bz III, with radiators alongside the front (observer's) cockpit. Data was probably similar to that of LD 7.

The Gotha LD 6a was a two-seat long-range reconnaissance type in service from March 1915. In common with most operational types of this period it was also employed as a light bomber with the observer dropping small bombs over the side of the aircraft.

Only ten of these 1915 two seat Gotha B Is were produced, just sufficent to equip a single Field Flight Section, although no evidence of their deployment, if ever, has survived. Using a 120hp Mercedes D Ia, the LD-7 to give its design bureau designation, had a top level speed of 77.5mph, with a range of 330 miles.